Australia was all Harry and Ginny hoped it would be. They arrived in Melbourne early on a cold, wintery day. After booking in to their hotel room, they went for an early lunch at a little cafe and decided to see about booking a rental car for two days time. They then wandered around Bourke Street in the main shopping mall for a couple of hours, then returned to the hotel. They ended up falling asleep for several hours, and then ducked out to get some take-away for dinner. Again, they were asleep soon after; the jet lag had really kicked in.
They returned to the same bistro for breakfast the next day, then Harry convinced Ginny to accompany him to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and do a behind-the-scenes tour of the world famous oval. Both cricket and Aussie Rules football were played there these days, but it had also hosted the 1956 Olympic Games.
As the ground was close to the city, they walked back to the shopping mall and while Ginny shopped, Harry went and booked a dinner cruise for that night, travelling along the Yarra river. This was their last night in Melbourne before they set off on their own, driving along the Great Ocean Road as they headed to South Australia.
It was great to be on their own, not bound by any set timetables. They went at their own pace, making their way from one state to another.
They were staying in another hotel close to the city while they were in Adelaide. Getting around the city was quite easy, with the tram system there. Harry discovered the Central Market and that night cooked up a storm, accompanied by a fine wine from the Barossa Valley. They enjoyed it so much they decided to drive up there and stay for a few days. There were a lot of wineries around the area and for the next few days they ate and drank very well indeed.
From the Barossa Valley they went to Port Lincoln, and Harry spent his birthday face to face with a great white shark. Ben had thoroughly recommended he do it, so here he was, metres underwater, watching in awe as the majestic beast swam past him several times.
Up on deck of the boat was a completely different story. Ginny had seen the fin approach close to the boat, then disappear. When Harry was pulled up, all fired up from the experience, Ginny wanted to both punch him for his elation, and hug him for returning to her in one piece. She settled for hugging him tightly, barely letting him go as they sped back in the boat toward the city.
They returned to Adelaide only to head for the airport and fly to Queensland. There they enjoyed snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef and seeing many Australian native animals at Australia Zoo and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Again they had hired a car to drive from Queensland down to Sydney. The trip was taking its toll; there were days they were content to simply drive and admire the scenery, staying in bed-and-breakfasts along the way. Harry could see Ginny's family was on her mind a lot, and they Skyped someone in their families daily.
The trip had been amazing, and it had only made Harry love Ginny more. She was a great traveller, good company and completely up for trying something new – unless it included sharks! And so it was that they found themselves at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, waving at a helicopter that flew past, taking a photograph of the two.
It had been a gruelling climb, so that night they decided on a simple dinner and a long soak in the bath. To Harry, these were the moment he treasured most. At the end of the day, it was him and Ginny, together. Watching her close her eyes in ecstasy as he rubbed her feet, Harry knew this was what he wanted for the rest of his life.
They left Sydney the next day to drive down to Melbourne, where they had started their trip. They had only planned a one night stay, but Harry asked if they could stay on an extra day, as he had something special planned. No matter the torture Ginny put him through that night – and what a sweet torture it was! – he wouldn't tell.
He woke her early, telling her to rise and dress warmly. He refused to tell her where they were going, as they walked down to the waiting taxi Harry had booked the night before. Ginny was abuzz with curiosity, but Harry would only tell her to be patient.
She was delighted to find they were going on a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley. "Happy Birthday, love," he whispered, as they climbed into the seemingly too-small basket, along with six other eager people.
"Oh, Harry, it's amazing," she sighed, leaning against him for warmth and comfort. It was quite cold so high in the air."
"So are you," said Harry, kissing her cheek as he tightened his arms around her waist.
They saw a truly magnificent sunrise, despite the cloud cover. "It's breathtaking!" announced Ginny, turning to look at him. At first she thought he wasn't behind her, until she looked down. He was on one bended knee, holding a small box.
Her mouth fell open, as the other people chuckled. Harry grinned somewhat nervously. "Ginny, I love you so much. Will you marry me...please?" The last was said almost desperately.
She nodded, incapable of speech. She had never thought she would marry again, but there was no doubt in her mind that she and Harry deserved this. She and Harry, touched by tragedy time and time again, would have the last laugh. "Yes," she said, louder; firmer. Of course, yes!
Smiling in relief, Harry tried to stand without rocking the basket too much. Others tried to help him, but it was Ginny's hand he reached for, just as she had once reached for his. Grasping hold, she pulled him to his feet.
The pilot of the balloon was already pouring champagne, having been told there would be a proposal today. As he was handing out the glasses, Harry and Ginny shared a kiss.
It was quite the memorable way to end their trip to Australia.
~00~
They arrived in New Zealand the next day, and once they were booked into their hotel, they Skyped their children, telling them the news of their engagement. Seeing her grandsons made Ginny miss them even more but she promised to send them postcards.
After the children, they Skyped James and Lily, then Molly. Everyone was happy for them, and Lily promised to let Rose and Neville know, and Molly would let all Ginny's brothers know. Ginny had sent Hermione and Luna a lovely photo that someone on the balloon ride had taken, of the two of them kissing with the sunrise behind them. Unsurprising, Hermione, Luna and Rolf were all so excited and happy for them.
Seeing and speaking to her family left Ginny slightly melancholy, but she shook it off as best she could, for there was lots to do in New Zealand. There was a lot of hiking, as well as rafting and paddling. They even bungee jumped together, practically a tradition in New Zealand. Sammi and Hermione were horrified when they saw the photos on Facebook, but Ben and Hailey were merely amused.
Their thoughts were starting to turn to their next destination, but Ginny didn't seem so keen on any of his suggestions. She knew she had to tell Harry the truth. "Harry, this trip has been amazing, but...I'm sorry, I'm ready to go home," she told him.
"Seeing everyone on Skype just isn't enough, is it?" he asked, feeling a touch homesick himself.
She shook her head. "Why don't we go home, see the year out and start travelling again next year. Anywhere you want, I promise," she offered.
"In that case...why don't we go home, plan a wedding and set off in the New Year on a honeymoon?" asked Harry, the idea just coming to him.
"You want to get married before Christmas?" she asked, surprised.
He nodded, taking her hand. "Why wait? I don't need a big hoopla, just our closest family and friends. Unless you do?"
She shook her head. "No, a small wedding sounds perfect. It all sounds perfect. Thank you," she said.
"I'll book our tickets home tomorrow," he promised.
Four days later, they were flying home to London.
~00~
Upon their return to London on a Wednesday, they had been met by Hannah and Neville, who had driven them back to Grimmauld Place. Mrs Dobby, Minerva, Sammi and Daniel were waiting for them, with a meal prepared to welcome them home. Ginny quickly rang her mother and texted Steven, letting them know they had arrived safely home in London. They planned to stay there for the rest of the week before heading to Bristol on the weekend.
They still hadn't confirmed where they would live permanently. Ginny knew Grimmauld Place was important to Harry and she began to suspect she might have to be the one to make the permanent move.
However, Fate again worked in mysterious ways. The day after they had returned, Sammi turned up on their door, pale.
"I'm pregnant," she blurted out.
"Wha-?" Harry turned to Ginny. " But you said –"
"Harry!" gasped Ginny, and turned back to Sammi, ushering her inside and into the lounge. She gestured for Harry to come and comfort his daughter while she went to make a pot of tea. She'd hoped by the time she returned things might have calmed down, but Sammi was just as upset as when she arrived.
"It wasn't planned," she cried. "We had a five year plan – home first, then a baby when we were more settled financially. Dad, what are we going to do?"
Harry held his daughter. "Ssh, come on now, all this crying can't be good for the baby. What did Daniel say?"|
"He's so excited, till I reminded him I'd have to give up work and he'd be our sole earner," she said. "I love my job and I'm not ready to give it up...but I'm so happy about the baby," she sobbed against her father's chest.
And so it was decided that, with Harry's blessing, Daniel and Sammi moved into Grimmauld Place and Harry moved to Bristol with Ginny. Mrs Dobby continued to come and do a spot of cleaning for the couple, and she was thrilled to think soon there would be a baby in the house.
Ginny had picked up several days of relief teaching, which left Harry at a loose end. If Ginny was working he'd drive down to spend the day with his parents, or check on Molly and Roxeanne at the Burrow, sometimes doing some work around the house for them. Some days he'd babysit Mikey for Lucy, now Teddy was at kindergarten, or he'd help her out by picking Teddy up and bringing him home. But he really craved to do something more and thanks to Molly, found himself caught up in the Devon council election campaign.
Molly had volunteered to help out, as she and Arthur had done in the past, and Harry accompanied her. He met the candidate she was endorsing, Colin Creevy, and liked the man immensely. Hermione endorsed him too, and even his parents thought he was the best choice as he seemed to really understand what the community needed to continue to grow but also to retain its proud heritage. The two men talked often, especially when Colin learned of Harry's job in London. Colin sought Harry's counsel on ideas for youth development and mental health and, to Harry's great surprise, offered Harry a job, should he get elected.
Harry told Colin he needed to talk to Ginny about it, as they were to be married soon, and had planned an overseas honeymoon. As the election wasn't till later the following year, Colin said it didn't matter if he would be away for awhile. He wished Harry and Ginny his best for the wedding, having known Ginny through both Arthur and Hermione.
Harry had used all his accrued time off, and was now taking a leave of absence. This offer from Colin was something he was quite excited about. Ginny smiled as he paced the carpet, giving her a hundred reasons why it was a bad idea, when all the time she knew he was going to accept. It seemed as if their lives, far from settling down, would actually be busier than ever, should Colin win the election.
~00~
They were married Christmas Eve, in the small church in Godric's Hollow; mid morning. Ginny wore a simple ivory gown, with Hermione and Luna as her bridesmaids. Harry wore a black tuxedo, with Neville and his father as his best man and groomsman. Teddy had been the ring bearer.
Steven and Ben escorted Ginny down the aisle. While she stopped to hand her mother her beautiful bouquet and kiss her cheek, they each went to shake Harry's hand. Then Ginny took the final steps alone to face Harry, seeing all his love for her reflected in his eyes. She hoped he saw the same when he looked into hers.
Their audience was intimate, although the entire Weasley family made the small church seem filled. Hermione had brought along a date, some professor who worked with her at the school. Luna, Rolf and their sons had arrived the day before from Switzerland.
On Harry's side, it was his mother, Hailey, Sammi and Daniel in the front row, with his sister and Adam, who were still going strong, in the next. Daisy sat next to her mother, and Neville, Hannah and Trevor sat with them. Mrs Dobby and Minerva had come down from London, too and were seated together a couple of rows back. They had become great friends over the last year.
Several of the Godric's Hollow townspeople had popped in for a look, too. They had seen Harry and Rose grow up in their town and as his first wedding had been in London, this was a thrill for them, too.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," announced the minister, happily. "You may now kiss your bride."
Harry's eyes sparkled with happiness, while Ginny's blazed. "Hello, wife," said Harry, taking a step closer.
She lifted her chin. "Kiss me, husband," she ordered.
He pretended to sigh, as if it were a chore. "Happy wife, happy life," he said to the minister, who laughed. And with that, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately, to the cheers of their family and friends.
They'd organised buses to take some people to the Burrow for the reception. Most of the Weasleys had driven to Godric's Hollow, so they were offering to car pool. One by one, in cars and buses, they left Godric's Hollow in high spirits and headed for Ginny's childhood home.
It was a simple buffet style luncheon. Again, the marquees used last Christmas were up, keeping the light snow fall and cold air away from their guests. Everyone was in high spirits due to the special day, and with the next day being Christmas. Minerva and Mrs Dobby were staying at the Burrow overnight, and the Longbottom family were spending the night at Ginny's home, with the newly-weds staying overnight in Devon's finest hotel, courtesy of their children.
Sammi and Daniel were staying with her grandparents, as was Hailey and Daisy. Rose was staying at Adam's, and they would all go to Godric's Hollow in the morning for the Christmas service in the church, and a family breakfast before heading to the Burrow later in the day.
Everyone would reconvene at the Burrow the next day for a huge Christmas gathering.
~00~
Ginny woke early the next morning, wriggling to get closer to Harry's warmth. Her eyes fluttered open and she found herself looking up into Harry's warm, loving eyes. "Good morning, wife," he said softly.
She smiled sleepily, turning over and running her hand over his hip. "Are you going to call me that for the rest of our lives?" she teased.
"God, I hope so," he said, leaning down to kiss her ever so softly. It only left her hungry for more, and she deepened the kiss.
"Mmm," she moaned. "Bugger Christmas, let's just stay here for the day. We're newly-weds, everyone will understand," she said, her hand running up his abdomen and continuing up his chest.
"Even Teddy?" chuckled Harry. "You've been dying to give him that present from Australia since we got back."
Ginny sighed. "Damn you for being right. But it's only early" – she peered over his shoulder at the clock on the wall – "and we have plenty of time till we have to be at the Burrow."
"You're right. Whatever shall we do to pass the time...wife?" he teased, his own hand doing some exploring of its own.
"Well, husband, if you don't know, then I'm just going to have to show you," she taunted, kissing his chest.
"What about...mmm...presents?" he moaned, as her tongue laved his nipples.
"I thought you were my present," she said, disappearing under the covers.
"I got you a present," he said, lifting the covers to peer down at her.
She stilled. "You did?"
"Come up here," he insisted.
She took her time kissing her way up his body till they were face to face. He was a bit heated by then but he wanted to get this out the way. He held up a finger, begging for a minute's patience, then turned to get something out of his bedside drawer that he had placed there before bed last night. It was an envelope, which he handed to her.
"Aw, did you write me a letter," she teased, opening it. She read it, then read it again, looking up at him, her eyes huge. " Africa? We're going to Africa for our honeymoon?"
He nodded. "We're staying near Charlie, he said he'd love to show us around, take us on a safari." He waited for her response. "If you don't like it, I can change it," he offered.
Ginny flung her arms around him, wriggling to get atop him. "Mmm, don't stop," grinned Harry, as she settled.
She pinched his side, making him yelp. "Harry, this is amazing, I've wanted to go there for years, see the kind of work Charlie does...and now I get to share that with you. Thank you, love," she said, leaning down to kiss him.
He held her to him, his large hands coming to cup her cheeks. "I love you, Ginny. You have been a part of me since we were sixteen and seventeen. My life has only gotten better since you came back into it, and I never want to let you go. My wife, my Ginny," he ended on an emotional whisper.
"Yes," she nodded, touched by his vulnerability. "From the moment I saw you again, I knew you would be an important part of my life...my Harry. Husband Harry," she teased gently.
"We have so much to look forward to, in the new year. Our honeymoon, a great job opportunity," he told her.
Her eyes lit up. "A grandchild," she added, "that's the best part."
"Our grandchild," corrected Harry. "It's going to be a busy year."
"As long as we're together, Harry, we can face anything Fate chooses to throw at us," said Ginny, caressing his face.
"Yes," agreed Harry, " you're right."
"Words to live by...husband," she teased.
They were only an hour late to the Burrow but being newly-weds nobody batted an eye.
Except Teddy, who demanded to know why they were late, and didn't leave Harry's side for the rest of the night.
But once he received his present, he was oblivious to all, so Harry and Ginny ducked out of the Burrow and back to their hotel room.
They were newly weds, after all.
~end~
A/N Hey Hinny lovers, did you know there is a great reddit page dedicated to our fave couple? I've just joined, I'd love you to join too. There are discussions on our fave fanfics, or help finding a fanfic, you can suggest prompts, or simply discuss the wonderful relationship between Harry and Ginny. Check out /r/harryandginny Hope to see you there soon!